Common SOLIDWORKS PDM License Errors and How to Resolve Them
When working with SOLIDWORKS PDM, encountering license errors such as “Failed to obtain a license for SOLIDWORKS PDM” can be both frustrating and disruptive. Most licensing issues can be traced back to one of three root causes: connectivity problems, outdated license activation, or incorrect client-side settings.
In this article, we’ll review the most common SOLIDWORKS PDM license errors, explain why they occur, and walk through the steps to resolve them.
How CAD and PDM Licenses Differ
Unlike SOLIDWORKS CAD Licenses, which offers standalone desktop and network licenses, all SOLIDWORKS PDM licenses are network-based and managed through the SolidNetWork License Manager (SNL). PDM licenses are administered through the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool and can be viewed or configured from any machine with the PDM Client installed.
The exact error message displayed can provide valuable insight into the underlying issue. As a result, each error may require a different troubleshooting approach.
The errors below are listed from most to least common based on real-world technical support experience:
Failed to obtain a license for SOLIDWORKS PDM. No such feature exists.
This error typically indicates that the client cannot locate the required feature on the license server.
Cause 1: License Server Requires Reactivation
This is typically not caused by the license expiring, but rather that the entitlement dates have not been refreshed/synced on your SolidNetWork License manager (SNL) server with the SOLIDWORKS activation system. Since SOLIDWORKS 2022, SOLIDWORKS network licenses require annual reactivation.
Within 30-days of the last annual reactivation, the system displays a warning to users that the license will expire soon. This date is not linked to your SOLIDWORKS subscription renewal date directly. It uses that last activation to sync the entitlement dates on your server. The date then remains on your server counting down until the next annual reactivation date requirement.
To resolve this issue:
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- Reactivate the licenses through the SolidNetWork License Manager Server edition on the license server.
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- For detailed instructions, refer to our guide How to Reactivate SOLIDWORKS Network Licenses.
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Cause 2: PDM Client is Pointing to the Wrong License Server
If licenses have been moved to a different server, the PDM client may still be attempting to connect to the previous server.
To resolve this issue:
- Open the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool.
- Log into then expand the vault and select the License node.
- Open the Server List.
- Verify that the correct port and license server are listed and update it if necessary.
Cause 3: The client license type is incorrect
SOLIDWORKS PDM can be installed as PDM Professional or PDM Standard, and each of those have 3 licenses levels/types (CAD Editor, Contributor, and Viewer). The SolidNetWork License Manager must have the installed license type activated and available for the client to access.
To review/resolve this issue:
- Open the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool.
- Select Help > About SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration or click the Help icon (circle with ?)
- In the newly opened dialog, review the ‘Client Version’ and ‘Client type’ to confirm the installed version and license type matches your company’s licenses that are activated on the SolidNetWork License Manager server.
Available SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard/Professional License Types:
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- CAD Editor: Supports working with all file types, including enhanced management and previewing of CAD formats such as SOLIDWORKS. CAD add-ins allow users to access SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional functionality from within the CAD application.
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- Contributor: Users can perform the same functions as with the Editor license type, except that CAD add-ins are not enabled.
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- Viewer: Allows read-only access to vaults. Users cannot add or modify (check out, check in, update values) files or use CAD add-ins.
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Failed to obtain a license for SOLIDWORKS PDM. Cannot find license file
This error is commonly related to a client-side licensing setting. Specifically, the ‘Only use borrowed licenses (faster startup)’ option in the SolidNetWork License Manager Client can prevent PDM from obtaining a standard network license. PDM licenses cannot be borrowed, so this option can interfere with PDM licensing when activated.
Users running SOLIDWORKS PDM 2026 SP1 and newer are generally less likely to encounter this issue due to changes in the software.
To resolve this issue:
- Launch the SolidNetWork License Manager Client.
- Select the License Borrowing tab.
- Clear the Only use borrowed licenses (faster startup) checkbox.
- Close and reopen the PDM client.
NOTE: If the option is still checked, clear the option again and then restart the machine to test again. If the option continues to be checked on, contact MLC CAD Systems technical support for guidance.
Failed to obtain a license for SOLIDWORKS PDM. Cannot connect to license server system
This error indicates that the client is unable to communicate with the SolidNetWork License Manager server.
Cause 1: Incorrect License Server Information
The default SolidNetWork License Manager port is 25734, and the license server entry should follow the format: 25734@ServerName
If either the server name or port is incorrect, the client will be unable to obtain a license.
To resolve this issue:
- Open the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool.
- Log into then expand the vault and select the License node.
- Open the Server List.
- Verify the server name and port information are correct.
Cause 2: The License Server Service is Not Running
If the SolidNetWork License Manager service has stopped on the server, clients will be unable to obtain licenses.
To resolve this issue:
- Log in to the license server.
- Open SolidNetWork License Manager Server.
- Verify that the service is running.
Alternatively:
- Open Windows Services.
- Locate SolidNetWork License Service.
- Restart the service if necessary.
Maintaining SOLIDWORKS PDM License Availability
Understanding that SOLIDWORKS PDM licensing is entirely network-based is the key to effective troubleshooting. Most licensing issues can be traced back to one of three root causes: connectivity problems, outdated license activation, or incorrect client-side settings.
By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, administrators can quickly restore license access and minimize downtime for PDM users.
Technical Support
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